A fill level measuring device (3) operating with the transit time method and a termination element (1) for a waveguide (2) of the fill level measuring device (3) has a carrier element (13) that is arranged between a first cylinder element (11) and a second cylinder element (12) and has an impedance-matching component (15) that is arranged on the carrier element (13).
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1. A termination element ( 1 ) for a waveguide ( 2 ) of a fill level measuring device ( 3 ) operating with the transit time method, characterized in that at least one carrier element ( 13 ) arranged between a first cylinder element ( 11 ) and a second cylinder element ( 12 ) and that at least one impedance-matching component ( 15 ) is arranged on the carrier element ( 13 ), that a cup element ( 16 ) is provided, and that the cup element ( 16 ) has a recess ( 17 ) for at least partially accommodating the first cylinder element ( 11 ), that the cup element ( 16 ) has an inner space ( 18 ) having an inner circumference following the recess ( 17 ) and that the carrier element ( 13 ) is arranged in the inner space ( 18 ) of the cup element ( 16 ).
This invention relates to a termination element for a waveguide used in fill level measuring devices that operate using the transit time method. The device measures the fill level of a medium by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals through the waveguide, where the transit time of the signals is affected by the medium's presence. A key challenge in such systems is ensuring proper impedance matching to minimize signal reflections and improve measurement accuracy. The termination element includes a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with a carrier element positioned between them. The carrier element supports at least one impedance-matching component, which optimizes signal transmission by reducing reflections at the waveguide's end. A cup element is also provided, featuring a recess that partially accommodates the first cylinder element. The cup element has an inner space with an inner circumference that follows the contour of the recess, and the carrier element is placed within this inner space. This arrangement ensures precise alignment and mechanical stability of the impedance-matching components, enhancing the device's performance. The design improves signal integrity by minimizing reflections and ensuring consistent signal propagation, which is critical for accurate fill level measurements.
2. A termination element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that a plug element ( 19 ) is provided and that the plug element ( 19 ) has a recess ( 20 ) for at least partially accommodating the second cylinder element ( 12 ).
The termination element described previously (a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, and a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element) also includes a plug element. This plug element has a recess designed to at least partially accommodate the second cylinder element, further contributing to the mechanical and electrical integrity of the termination.
3. A termination element ( 1 ) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the plug element ( 19 ) has a central section ( 21 ) arranged in the inner space ( 18 ) of the cup element ( 16 ) and that the plug element ( 19 ) has a supporting section ( 22 ), wherein an outer diameter of the supporting section ( 22 ) is greater than the inner circumference of the inner space ( 18 ) of the cup element ( 16 ).
The termination element described previously (a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element, and a plug element with a recess for the second cylinder element) has a plug element with a central section located within the cup element's inner space. The plug element also has a supporting section with an outer diameter larger than the inner circumference of the cup element's inner space. This provides a secure fit and enhanced structural stability.
4. A termination element ( 1 ) according to claim 2 characterized in that at least one recess ( 24 ) for at least one sealing element ( 25 ) is provided between at least one of the first cylinder element ( 11 ) and the cup element ( 16 ) and between the second cylinder element ( 12 ) and the plug element ( 19 ).
The termination element described previously (a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element, and a plug element with a recess for the second cylinder element) includes at least one recess for at least one sealing element. These recesses are located between the first cylinder element and the cup element, and also between the second cylinder element and the plug element. This ensures a tight seal, protecting the internal components from environmental factors.
5. A termination element ( 1 ) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the impedance-matching component ( 15 ) is arranged on a side of the carrier element ( 13 ) facing away from the plug element ( 19 ).
The termination element described previously (a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element, and a plug element with a recess for the second cylinder element) has its impedance-matching component placed on the side of the carrier element that faces away from the plug element. This arrangement optimizes the impedance matching performance and signal characteristics.
6. A termination element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of the first cylinder element ( 11 ) and the second cylinder element ( 12 ) has at least one blind bore ( 23 ).
The termination element which has a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, and a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element, features at least one of the first and second cylinder elements having at least one blind bore. These blind bores could potentially be used for mounting, alignment, or other functional purposes related to the termination element.
7. A termination element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first cylinder element ( 11 ) and the second cylinder element ( 12 ) are arranged flush and mirror symmetrically relative to the carrier element ( 13 ).
The termination element which has a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, and a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element, positions the first and second cylinder elements flush and mirror-symmetrically with respect to the carrier element. This symmetrical arrangement likely contributes to balanced electrical and mechanical properties.
8. A fill level measuring device ( 3 ) operating with the transit time method having a waveguide ( 2 ) comprised of at least one outer conductor ( 4 ) and one inner conductor ( 5 ) for guiding electromagnetic signals, characterized in that a termination element is arranged on a free termination ( 8 ) of the waveguide ( 2 ), said termination element comprising: at least one carrier element ( 13 ) arranged between a first cylinder element ( 11 ) and a second cylinder element ( 12 ), wherein at least one impedance-matching component ( 15 ) is arranged on the carrier element, and a cup element ( 16 ), wherein the cup element ( 16 ) has a recess ( 17 ) for at least partially accommodating the first cylinder element ( 11 ), wherein the cup element ( 16 ) has an inner space ( 18 ) having an inner circumference following the recess ( 17 ) and wherein the carrier element ( 13 ) is arranged in the inner space ( 18 ) of the cup element ( 16 ).
A fill level measuring device that uses the transit time method has a waveguide, which consists of at least one outer conductor and one inner conductor for guiding electromagnetic signals. The device has a termination element on the free end of the waveguide. The termination element includes: a carrier element between a first and second cylinder element; an impedance-matching component on the carrier element; and a cup element with a recess partially enclosing the first cylinder element. The cup element has an inner space with a circumference following the recess, and the carrier element is arranged in this inner space.
9. Fill level measuring device ( 3 ) according to claim 8 , characterized in that the first cylinder element ( 11 ) is in electric contact with the inner conductor ( 5 ) via a pin element ( 28 ), that the second cylinder element ( 12 ) is connected to a fixing element ( 30 ) via an attaching element ( 29 ), that the fixing element ( 30 ) is connected to the outer conductor ( 4 ) via at least one further attaching element ( 29 ), and that the impedance-adapting component ( 15 ) is in electric contact with the inner conductor ( 5 ) and the outer conductor ( 4 ).
The fill level measuring device described previously (a device using the transit time method having a waveguide with outer and inner conductors and a termination element on the waveguide’s free end comprising a carrier element between two cylinder elements, an impedance matching component and a cup element) has the first cylinder element electrically connected to the inner conductor via a pin element. The second cylinder element is connected to a fixing element using an attaching element, which is then connected to the outer conductor via at least one other attaching element. The impedance-matching component makes electrical contact with both the inner and outer conductors.
10. A fill level measuring device according to claim 9 , wherein the at least one carrier element comprises a printed circuit board, and the cylinder elements are made of an electrically conductive material.
In the fill level measuring device detailed before (a device using the transit time method having a waveguide with outer and inner conductors and a termination element on the waveguide’s free end comprising a carrier element between two cylinder elements, an impedance matching component and a cup element, where the first cylinder element is electrically connected to the inner conductor via a pin element and the second cylinder element is connected to a fixing element via an attaching element, the fixing element is connected to the outer conductor via at least one further attaching element, and the impedance-adapting component is in electric contact with the inner conductor and the outer conductor), the carrier element consists of a printed circuit board, and the cylinder elements are made of an electrically conductive material.
11. A termination element according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one carrier element comprises a printed circuit board, and the cylinder elements are made of an electrically conductive material.
In the termination element (which has a carrier element positioned between a first cylinder element and a second cylinder element, with an impedance-matching component on the carrier element, and a cup element with a recess for the first cylinder element and the carrier element arranged in the inner space of the cup element), the carrier element is a printed circuit board, and the cylinder elements are made of an electrically conductive material.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
May 22, 2015
July 4, 2017
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